squirrel is constipated help!!

[chelsea]

I think one if my squirrels is constipated
his belly is really round and he hardly ever poops, when he does poop its only like 2-3 black hard pebbles.
how do i get him to use the bathroom?
ive stimulated him and nothing happens!
any natural form of laxatives i can give him??

[farrelli]

How old? What's the diet?

Dehydration is the most common cause. Chech his hydration by gently pinching the skin between the shoulders and make sure it goes right back down like on the back of your hand and doesn;t tent. Push fluids. Apple and prune juice are best of this because sugar draws water into the gut and also contain sorbitol which is a gently natural laxative.

Fiber is also great. Pumpkin or squash are great, and the baby food kind is just fine.

A drop of two of veg oil can help.

Could he be bloated with gas? Feel his belly and make sure it's soft like a partially filled water balloon and not round and hard. If he does have gas, a drop of INFANT simethicone (Gas-X) can help.

Got some pics?

[farrelli]

Also, here's a recent thread on constipation:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-constipation!!!!